No fatalities

Airplane Strikes Terrain After Downdraft During Beach Takeoff

Mekoryuk, AK, United States

On September 8, 2019, a Cessna 172 N was involved in an aviation accident near Mekoryuk, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in gusting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a beach, an airplane lifted off but encountered a downdraft, stalled, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Incident Summary

The pilot of an airplane reported that during takeoff from a beach, the aircraft lifted off to about 10 feet when he felt "something holding [him] down." He lowered the nose to increase airspeed and attempted to climb again, but was unable to climb due to a downdraft.

Sequence of Events

Unable to abort the takeoff because of increased airspeed and reduced landing area prior to a 50-foot bank, the pilot decided to "pull up and go over that 50 to 60 ft bank." The airplane continued for about three-quarters of a mile, where it aerodynamically stalled and the empennage impacted the terrain. The airplane continued about 30 feet, struck a "big clump of dirt," and nosed over.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 27 knots, gusting to 36 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Angle of attack — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 2019 Cessna 172 N accident near Mekoryuk, AK?

During takeoff from a beach, an airplane lifted off but encountered a downdraft, stalled, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 2019 Cessna 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 2019 involved a Cessna 172 N, at Mekoryuk, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.